Looking at Quantum Field Theory with upper secondary school students in mind

The study is part of a wider research project aimed at designing proposals for teaching modern physics at upper secondary school level. In a previous research work we carried out about teaching/learning Quantum Mechanics, it emerged as advisable an analysis of the conceptual bases of Quantum Field Theory (QFT) so as to find out suitable tools for addressing students’ special needs. QFT represents the last widely tested theory that, interweaving quantum physics and special relativity, physicists use today for inquiring the micro-cosmos. Even though its cultural relevance is out of doubt, its inner conceptual and formal difficulties open important questions for the research in Physics Education concerning why, what and how QFT can be introduced at secondary school level. The presentation will concern the aims and the criteria of the analysis we are carrying out, as well as the specific research problems identified. Moreover preliminary results concerning in particular the analysis of the concept of field will be presented.